Former Malaysian communist hotbed in Thailand is now a tourist magnet
2025.01.15
Chulabhorn Pattana 12, Narathiwat, Thailand

Chulabhorn Pattana 12, a village in southern Thailand near Malaysia, was once a stronghold for Malaysian communist rebels, but veterans of the insurgency who stayed on and their descendants have transformed it into a tourist destination.
The village, nestled in Narathiwat, a province in Thailand’s mainly Malay Muslim Deep South, has a population of about 500 and is home to about a dozen ex-members of the 10th Regiment of the former Malayan Communist Party (MCP) and their families.
During the communist insurgency, the MCP’s armed wing used the region as a base for cross-border operations into Malaysia. Now, descendants of the old communists lead visitors here on ecotourism activities and historical tours tied to the Malaysian insurgency, which finally ended in 1989.
“During the war, propaganda portrayed communists as monsters who used humans to plow fields and who ate human flesh,” said Sanya Boonkerd, 66, an MCP veteran also known by his nom de guerre, Kawan Abdi.
Sanya joined the party at 14, and was drawn to it by the allure of adventure and firearms. Over the next 20 years, he served as a translator, bridging the Malay and Thai languages for party communications.
“After learning about the ideology and serving the people, I decided never to leave,” he said.
Chulabhorn Pattana 12 still retains elements of the communist standards that once defined it, specifically communal spirit, emphasis on equality and respect for nature, ex-MCP members said.
“Our history is part of who we are,” former fighter Waisaiton Wani, 57, told BenarNews. “We’ve adapted to modern life, but we haven’t forgotten the struggles that brought us here.”

The roots of the MCP date to the British colonialism era and what was then known as Malaya. Established in 1930, the party sought to overthrow British rule and achieve independence.
During World War II, the party allied with British forces against Japanese occupiers, but tensions reignited after the war. The MCP launched an armed struggle, forming the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA).
“The communist ideology was rooted in equality and diversity,” said Apisit Binza, 37, a descendant of MCP fighters.
“In the 10th Regiment, Malays were the majority, but the movement included Chinese, Indians and even Japanese members. They all shared a common goal – expelling British imperialism.”
The MCP faced harsh retaliation. In 1948, British authorities declared a state of emergency and deployed military forces against the insurgency. The 10th Regiment found refuge in the dense forests of Pahang – now a state in post-colonial Malaysia – relying on their knowledge of the terrain to sustain their efforts.
Escape
After Malaysia gained independence in 1957, the MCP faced crackdowns from the new government.
“Many of us sought refuge in Thailand due to persecution. Even peace talks, like the Baling Talks in 1955, failed because the Malaya government refused to recognize us as a legitimate political movement,” Sanya recalled.
By the late 1980s, with numbers and resources dwindling during a second phase of the communist insurgency, the MCP sought a peaceful resolution to the armed conflict.

The turning point came in 1989 with the Hat Yai Peace Accord, mediated by Thailand. The agreement offered MCP members two options – return to Malaysia or resettle in Thailand with land and a promise of citizenship.
The 10th Regiment disbanded and established what would become Chulabhorn Pattana 12. Initially named Rattana Kitthi village, it was renamed in honor of Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, the youngest daughter of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit, reflecting the government’s commitment to integrating former fighters into society.
About 350 MCP members comprising 140 households established the village.
“My father said that after the peace agreement was reached, the 10th Regiment chose to detonate and discard the weapons rather than hand them over to the Thai or Malaysian governments,” said Apisit, whose father was among those who stayed behind.
“For him and many others, staying here symbolized a fresh start and a chance to preserve our dignity,” said Apisit, now chairman of the Community Tourism Enterprise.
Challenges
The transition from guerrilla to civilian life was not without challenges.
“For months, we lived communally while building our homes. The government provided each family with 15 rai of land, a small house, and 3,000 baht,” Waisaiton said. “We had to learn to farm rubber trees to make a living and send our children to school.”
One rai is 1,600 square meters while 3,000 baht equals about U.S. $86.
Waisaiton, who joined the MCP at 14 after losing her mother, described the initial hardships but credited the camaraderie among former fighters in helping adapt.
“The bonds we built in the jungle carried over into our new lives,” she said.

Today, Chulabhorn Pattana 12 is known for its natural beauty and historical significance.
Surrounded by lush forests, the village has become a popular destination for eco-tourism involving simple accommodations, nature hikes through the jungle, raft trips on the Saiburi River or treasure hunting.
“Gold panning is an alternative livelihood for about 80 families here,” said guide Soufian, 20, whose grandfather was an MCP member and whose parents live in the village. “We use traditional methods to protect the environment and any gold we find sells for around 2,500 baht per gram.”
The community also operates a museum showcasing artifacts from the MCP era, including tools, weapons and personal belongings. Visitors’ meals are served in bamboo containers, mirroring jungle survival techniques of the MCP.
“The food and artifacts remind us of our past struggles, but they also symbolize how far we’ve come,” said villager Prasert Boonkerd, 34.
Balancing history, modern life
While the village survives through tourism, it remains deeply connected to its historical roots. Former fighters play an active role in preserving the community’s legacy, sharing stories with visitors and mentoring the younger generation.
“Many tourists come here with preconceived notions about communism,” Prasert said. “After visiting, they gain a new understanding of our sacrifices and the principles we stood for.”
“Honestly, some stories portray communists as cruel and ruthless, which can be disheartening. But today, I am proud of the sacrifices made by my father and the community elders,” Prasert said. “This very community and village owe their existence entirely to their sacrifices.”
Today, youths work as guides, families earn income from tourism and children attend schools that were once unimaginable during the years of conflict.
“Tourism has brought stability to our lives,” Prasert said. “We’ve turned a battlefield into a beacon of peace and progress.”